Final answer:
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan reinforced the Republican Party's focus on issues like affirmative action, abortion, and gay and lesbian rights, advocating for traditional family values and smaller government. His policies emphasized tax cuts and decreased social spending under 'Reaganomics', attracting the support of the New Right and evangelical Christians.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan aided in the realignment of the Republican Party with strong statements on various issues. Some of the focal concerns included the desire to end policies like affirmative action, the movement to ban abortion, and a halt to the advocacy for gay and lesbian rights. Reagan espoused a return to 'traditional' family values, which insinuated a natural order where male authority was dominant, countering the women's rights and New Left movements.
Reagan’s strategy changed the political landscape by advocating for a smaller government and reduced taxation, especially favorable to the wealthy, under the banner of 'Reaganomics'. His policies, while succeeding in stimulating the economy, also led to a significant recession with increased unemployment. The quality of life for many Americans decreased while simultaneously fostering prosperity among more affluent citizens.
The rise of the New Right, a coalition of wealthy businesspeople and evangelical Christians, alongside Reagan's own political acumen, played a significant role in his ascendency to the presidency. Reagan utilized conservative think tanks, such as the Heritage Foundation, to craft the ideation of the Reagan Revolution, which advocated for a nostalgic return to 'traditional values' and significantly influenced his political policies and actions during his presidency.